Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: Would you have a crimp cord that can be used for more than one cord? I am making a leather bracelet using 3 cords and cannot find a big enough crimp for it.

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: My necklace is a 16mm wide figaro. What size does my classic slide bail need to be?

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Ask the Experts Wire-Wrapping Wire Q&A

Q: I'm a beginner jewelry maker who would like to incorporate my own handmade ear wires into designs. Currently, the wire I've been using for much of my work is plated German-style wire. Is this wire safe to use for ear wires for most people? Thank you!

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Ask the Experts Measuring Q&A

Q: What is the correct method of measuring a curved tube bead?

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: Is it better to use a 3mm crimp for a beading wire necklace or will a 2mm crimp suffice? If I use a 3mm crimp, do I use a 3mm crimp bead or should I use a bead that is 1mm larger? Same for a 2mm crimp - use a 2mm crimp bead to cover the 2mm crimp? Thank you in advance.

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A Jewelry Designers Journey

Get to know Elaine, the expert behind our Kumihimo series, and discover how her creative journey led to mastering this beautiful braiding technique.

Video Length 3:22

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Earrings

Rose gold and black tones blend beautifully in these modern polymer clay earrings, creating a sleek, sophisticated look that’s sure to turn heads.

Design Idea RE3S

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Creating Jewelry Inspired by Cocktails or Mocktails

Sip in the inspiration—this video shows you how to create stunning bracelets inspired by the colors and vibes of your favorite cocktails and mocktails.

Design Idea RC34

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Christmas Tree Ornament

The subtly varied hues and shapes of the green seed beads in this intricate Christmas tree create texture and depth that delight the eyes.

Design Idea RF39

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Secrets to Kumihimo 8-Strand Round Braid

Master the art of the 8-strand round kumihimo braid with this clear and simple bracelet-making tutorial.

Design Idea RC3D

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Charm Bracelet

Get into the Christmas spirit with this festive Preciosa tutorial—make a fun seed-beaded bracelet featuring five adorable holiday-themed charms!

Design Idea RF3C

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Ask the Experts Cleaners and Polishers Q&A

Q: I did a poor job of applying gloss topcoat to my 24Kt gold-plated seed beads and need to remove and redo it. How do I remove the topcoat I applied to them? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I usually have difficulty in making crimps grip the stringing material. Recently, I attended a class at which the instructor told us that there are some crimp beads which have grooves scored in the inside of the crimp bead, which allows them to give a better grip to the stringing material. Do you have any information on this type of crimp beads? The ones I used in the class were small, 2x2mm, but they worked better than any others I have at home. Thanks for any info you can give to me!

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Ask the Experts Clasps Q&A

Q: I have a 10Kt gold magnetic clasp and the magnet has fallen out. How do I repair it?

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Ask the Experts Cleaners and Polishers Q&A

Q: How do I keep my plated 24Kt gold and my plated sterling silver seed beads from tarnishing or fading?

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Minimalist vs. Maximalist Jewelry Styles

Explore how the same jewelry materials can create two strikingly different looks—one minimalist, one maximalist—and discover which design style speaks to you.

Video Length 5:29

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Memory Wire Bracelet

Amethyst and lavender beads bloom with translucent flowers and silver in this whimsical memory wire bracelet, perfect for a touch of spring magic.

Design Idea RE3M

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Multi-Strand Bracelet

Shades of sand and surf unite in this multi-strand bracelet, featuring the iridescent shimmer of paua shell paired with the natural warmth of wooden beads.

Design Idea RE3N

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Christmas Tree

Get in the Christmas spirit with this festive ornament, courtesy of Preciosa!

Design Idea RF3A

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Double-Strand Bracelet

Design a dazzling two-strand bracelet that balances shimmer with structure, using spacer beads to add depth and definition to the glamorous layout.

Design Idea RE3K

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Single-Strand Necklace

Silky honey-toned beads beautifully complement TierraCast® antique silver-plated honey bees in this striking statement necklace, full of warmth and charm.

Design Idea RE3J

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